Northern Ont. faces heat, poor air quality risks

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A visual look at the wildfire smoke passing through northern Ontairo

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Minimizing the risks of wildfire smoke

Public Health Sudbury & Districts is urging residents to take precautions as the arrival of summer brings extreme heat, high humidity, and deteriorating air quality across the region, creating potentially dangerous health conditions.

The health unit issued an advisory Tuesday highlighting the heightened risks during early summer.

“Early summer poses a higher risk because our bodies have not yet adapted to the conditions,” Health officials said in their news release.

“When high heat, humidity, and poor air quality are combined, the health risks are even greater.”

Wildfire smoke brings health risks

While Sudbury and surrounding districts typically enjoy good air quality, wildfire smoke has become an increasing concern. Tuesday afternoon, the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) for Sudbury, North Bay, and Sault Ste. Marie was 4 (moderate risk), meaning the general public can continue normal activities unless they develop symptoms like coughing or throat irritation. However, at-risk groups – including those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions – should consider reducing outdoor exertion.

Thunder Bay in northwestern Ontario faces more severe conditions, with an AQHI of 8 (high risk). Public Health recommends that vulnerable populations, including children and seniors, avoid strenuous outdoor activities, while other healthy individuals should scale back if they experience discomfort.

To minimize exposure to poor air quality, residents are advised to:

• Stay indoors with windows and doors closed when possible
• Use portable air purifiers with MERV 13 or higher filters
• Wear a tight-fitting N95 respirator if going outside
• Seek cleaner air in public spaces like libraries or shopping malls

“A well-fitted respirator type mask, such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent respirator, may help reduce your exposure to the fine particles in the air,” the health authority said.

Monitoring and Emergency Resources

Public Health encouraged residents to stay informed by signing up for alerts through WeatherCAN and checking the AQHI for daily updates.

Mild symptoms from smoke exposure – such as eye irritation or a slight cough – can often be managed at home, but worsening conditions like difficulty breathing, chest pain, or asthma attacks require medical attention.

Free health advice is available 24/7 through Health811.

Heat-related illness also a growing concern

With temperatures rising, Public Health emphasized the need for proactive measures to avoid heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Key recommendations include:

• Drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcohol or caffeine, which can worsen dehydration
• Limiting sun exposure, especially during peak afternoon hours
• Wearing loose, light-colored clothing and seeking shade when outdoors
• Using fans, cool showers, or wet towels to lower body temperature
• Placing a dish of ice in front of an electric fan for a makeshift air cooler

Symptoms of heat-related illness include rapid breathing, weakness, dizziness, nausea, muscle cramps, and confusion. The health authority advised that anyone experiencing these symptoms should cool down immediately and seek medical help, if needed, calling 911 in emergencies.

As part of its Hot Weather Response Plan, Public Health Sudbury & Districts also provides guidance on protecting pets, children, and apartment dwellers from extreme heat.

More information about these and other topics - including dealing with smog - is available on the local public health website.